Pet Care

Spay and Neuter Information Sheet.

The great tragedy of the pet over population crisis is that adoptable dogs and cats are dying because somebody did not get their pet spayed or neutered. A few people had a valid reason for not spaying or neutering their pet, but many more did not. But whether a pet owner neglects to have a dog or cat spayed because they want her to have "just one litter" first, or whether someone simply did not want to spend the money for their pet's surgery, the end result is the same: far too many animals for the number of available homes.

• A spayed pet is a healthier pet. They are less likely to develop mammary tumours, and they won't develop uterine cancer or other problems of the reproductive organs. There will never be a risk of pregnancy complications either.



• A spayed pet is a happier pet. A spayed female is a more relaxed and peaceful pet. Spaying nullifies a pet's desire to roam in search of a mate, and eliminates the frantic pacing and crying of a cat in season.



• Males no longer roam for many miles to find a female and as such have a much lower risk of being involved in a road traffic accident. They make far better pets since their roaming urge is gone. They are far less likely to pickup serious diseases that are so easily inflicted during fights over a female.



• A spayed/neutered pet reduces the tragic problem of pet overpopulation. Thanks to their caring owners, spayed/neutered pets do not contribute to unwanted pet population crisis.

• Neutering or spaying doesn't change the personality of your pet. It does not make your pet fat or lazy. It will not transform you're your pet into a podgy pet or corpulent kitty-Overeating and lack of exercise will!



• There is absolutely no truth to the myth that it is best to let a female pet give birth to a litter before getting her spayed. In reality, it's much better for an animal to be spayed before having a litter, or even going into heat.



• Letting your children "experience the miracle of birth" isn't a very good reason to letting your pet have offspring. First, pets usually give birth in a secluded place. Second, would it not be better to teach your children the importance of responsible pet ownership?



• Finding good homes for puppies and kittens is very difficult. And even if you were able to find them, you have in effect condemned that number of unwanted animals in your local shelter or pound. Unless the new owners have the puppies or kittens spayed you placed with them, you have added to the ever-growing crisis.



• Any vet will be pleased to talk to you on this subject and answer any questions you may have.



• If the costs of the operation are a prohibitive hurdle, please talk to us. We might be able to point you to an organisation that can provide help in financial hardship cases.



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